New AMC-21 Satellite Contract Awarded

Alcatel Alenia Space announced last week that it has signed a contract to build a new powerful telecommunication satellite for U.S.-based SES Americom, an SES Global company.

Beginning in mid-2008, the AMC-21 satellite will transmit programming to Public Broadcasting Service affiliated television stations throughout the United States and Caribbean regions, expand occasional resources for broadcasters, and support enterprise communications networks.

As prime contractor, Alcatel Alenia Space will have overall responsibility for the implementation of the AMC-21 program, being in charge of the design, manufacturing, test and delivery on the ground of the AMC-21 satellite, along with Launch and Early Operations Phase, In-Orbit Test support and associated services. Alcatel Alenia Space will also provide the communications payload.

Orbital Sciences Corp., as a subcontractor of Alcatel Alenia Space, will provide its small sized GEO spacecraft platform, STAR-2. Alcatel Alenia Space will be responsible for integrating the Orbital bus into the fully assembled satellite. AMC-21 will be fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders, each 36 MHz in bandwidth and will have an operational life time exceeding 16 years. Weighing about 2,500 kilograms (5,512 pounds) at launch and having six kilowatts of electrical power, it will operate from 125 degrees West longitude.

AMC-21 is the second satellite ordered by the SES family of companies in North America this year; the Ciel-2 contract was awarded by Ciel Satellite LP of Canada to Alcatel Alenia Space in March. AMC-21 will be the fifth satellite delivered by Alcatel Alenia Space to SES Americom in seven years.